Anilox Roller Cleaning Systems

The NorthEast Label Manufacturers Association (NELMA) will be holding its 6th Annual Expo and Networking Conference on Thursday, May 8th at the Bridgewater Marriott in Bridgewater, New Jersey. The event will run from 1:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. This event will feature an exhibit hall with key suppliers of products and services to the label printing industry. They will included such vendors as UPM-Raflatac, Technicote, 3M, FlexCon, Spinnaker Coating, Mark Andy, AquaFlex, Matik NA, PCS (Degrava), Siegewerk Ink, Alden & Ott, Sun Chemical, Wilson Mfg., Kocker & Beck, Tek Graphics, Anderson Vreeland, Anilox Roll Cleaning Systems, Quality Discount Press Parts, AAA Press Parts, Rotoflex,

It’s a job that Mr. Clean probably wouldn’t take on, but somebody’s got to do it! Cleaning anilox rolls on a regular basis is part of every printer’s routine—a critical requirement for reliable flexographic printing. Even though anilox roll cleaning is a common requirement in flexo printing, problems still abound due to misapplication or lack of knowledge. To get an idea of some real-world problems (and solutions) in the industry, packagePRINTING contacted a number of companies that provide anilox roll cleaning solutions to see how they solved specific customer problems. They supplied the ­following examples. Clogged up Bill Poulson, northeast technical graphic advisor

Every package printer strives to produce packaging of the highest quality for its customers. Aiding in that effort is today’s higher anilox roll line counts. Line counts upwards of 1,000 have given printers the ability to reach realms of quality impossible with older, lower cell count aniloxes. The only drawback to these higher counts is the delicate nature of the anilox cells, which can be easily damaged during cleaning. This is a conundrum printers need to consider and take seriously if they plan on reaping the full rewards attainable through these newer rolls. “Higher count anilox rolls, in response to the need for higher

Quality and damage control for higher line screens demands renewed attention to anilox roll cleaning practices and methods. By Susan Friedman Oven cleaner just won't cut it. When it comes to anilox roll cleaning, package printers are having to muster some heavier duty enthusiasm...and exercise care. "Before higher line screens, cleaning didn't have to be as thorough because anilox rolls didn't provide the quality they provide now," says Torben Rasmussen, president, Flexo Wash. Anilox roll prices have doubled right along with line screens, and now the concern is preventing these rolls, which have thinner cell walls, from being damaged, he adds. Converters continue to